Job Offer Too Good to Be True? Warning Signs
Amazing salary, unlimited PTO, remote everywhere, $100k signing bonus. If it sounds too good, it probably is. This guide identifies red flags that signal problems.
Red Flags That Offer Is Too Good
(1) "UNLIMITED PTO": Sounds great but usually means you work unpaid more. Red flag. (2) MASSIVE SIGNING BONUS: Why? Usually because salary is low or equity is worthless. Red flag. (3) VAGUE SALARY: "Competitive salary" instead of concrete number. They'll lowball you. Red flag. (4) AMAZING EQUITY: "Millions in options!" Sound too good? Usually because company is dying or equity is worthless. Red flag. (5) TOO EASY HIRING: No interview, instant offer? They're desperate. Red flag. (6) PRESSURE TO SIGN FAST: "Offer expires tomorrow!" You don't have time to review. Red flag. (7) NO BACKGROUND CHECK: "We don't do those." Sketchy. Red flag.
How to Verify Offer Is Real
(1) OFFICIAL EMAIL: Offer from official company email, not recruiting firm. (2) SALARY IN WRITING: Specific number, not "competitive." (3) BENEFITS SPECIFIC: Not vague promises. (4) SIGNING TIMELINE: Reasonable (1-2 weeks), not rushed. (5) COMPANY CHECKS OUT: Company is real, stable, has known customers. (6) REFERENCES: Ask if you can contact current employees (official channels). (7) BACKGROUND CHECK: Professional companies always do them.
What to Do
(1) ASK HARD QUESTIONS: "Why is equity grant so high?" (2) VERIFY: Check Glassdoor, research company. (3) CONTACT EMPLOYEES: If possible, ask about real compensation. (4) SLOW DOWN: If they rush, something is wrong. (5) CONSULT LAWYER: If offer is unusual, get legal opinion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is unlimited PTO actually unlimited?
Rarely. Usually: "Unlimited but don't abuse it." In practice: if you take too much, you're not a team player. Don't believe it's truly unlimited.
If offer is too good, should I reject it?
Not necessarily. Investigate. If research checks out, take it. But verify first.
What if offer is real but just incredibly generous?
Possible but rare. Some unicorn startups are generous. But verify company is real and stable before believing it.
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